Where Do Magic Mushrooms Grow?

This is a question asked by countless fans of magic mushrooms. Over a hundred species of magic mushrooms are found all over the world and are used by different cultures throughout the ages.

Magic mushrooms, also known as psilocybin mushrooms, are a group of fungi that contain the psychedelic compound psilocybin. 20 years ago, a group of scientists reviewed the distribution of these magic mushrooms worldwide.

These magic mushrooms are identifiable because of their dark-spores and gills. They are found in soils rich in humus and plant debris. Most of them make their home in subtropical humid forests of most continents.

Magic Mushrooms in Africa

Africa has several different climate types. The northernmost and southernmost fringes have a Mediterranean climate. Africa has the hottest extended region year-round, the areas with the hottest summer climate, and the highest sunshine duration. This climate has led to the rise of diverse flora across Africa including magic mushrooms. Interestingly, the species which grow in Africa don’t just belong to the Psilocybe genus.

Some species of magic mushrooms such as the Plutus salicinus can be found growing on wood, dead wood of hardwoods, or in damp forests on flood-plains. It grows around summer.

One of the most widely distributed species in Africa is the Panaeolus bispora which prefers growing on buffalo and cattle dung. On rare occasions it grows in manured soil.

The Gymnopilus junonius is another strain that grows in Africa which grows in older patches of woods.

The Panaeolus cinctulus is another African magic mushroom that grows on areas where horses reside and on the hay bales that have been left out. They also like to grow in any grassy areas, especially where they have been well kept and fertilized. It grows in dung, compost, rotting hay and in well-manured grounds in the summer.

The exact list of African countries/regions and the species of magic mushrooms that call them home are as follows:

Algeria. One of the oldest prehistoric paintings that depict magic mushrooms is located in Algeria. This mural, estimated to be 7000 to 9000 years old, shows the species of Psilocybe mairei. Because of its location within the temperate zone, it enjoys a pleasant climate. It’s no wonder magic mushrooms call this country their home.

Gymnopilus sp.

Panaeolus cinctulus

Psilocybe mairei

Chad. Evidence of ancient mushroom cults are found in Chad which date back to 7,000 years ago. Frequent floods create conditions in lowlands which give way to the growth of several magic mushroom species.

Gymnopilus sp.

Panaeolus africanus

Panaeoulus cinctulus

Kenya. The natural vegetation in Kenya is as diverse as its climate and topography would suggest. This country has developed magic mushrooms varieties suited for warm weather in grasslands, shrublands and sheltered spots.

Gymnopilus sp.

Panaeolus cinctulus

Psilocybe aquamarina

Psilocybe cubensis

Madagascar. Madagascar has more than 10,000 plant species, of which 90 percent are only found here. This includes magic mushrooms which are found in plantations and native tapia woodlands.

Panaeolus cyanesces

Gymnopilus sp.

Panaeolus cinctulus

Morocco. Morocco has wide-ranging geological formations including a vast coastline, interior lowlands extending into the foothills and highlands. Magic mushrooms can be found high up in the Rif mountains and the Middle Atlas.

Gymnopilus sp.

Panaeolus cinctulus

Psilocybe mairei

Sudan. In Sudan, the climate is desert in the north and on the coast of the Red Sea. It becomes semi-desert or mid-arid in the south, which is affected by summer monsoon. Some magic mushrooms can be found where hippopotami and elephants frequent where they grow on the animals’ dung.

Gymnopilus sp.

Panaeolus africanus

Panaeolus cinctulus

Psilocybe mairei

South Africa. South Africa has an average yearly rainfall of 450mm. This led to the growth of more than 20,000 different plants which are about 10 percent of all the plants of the earth. Magic mushrooms grow in areas with plenty of oak shavings, black wood shavings, ironwood, forest alder, beech, and poplar.

Gymnopilus sp.

Panaeolus cinctulus

Psilocybe natalensis

Psilocybe semilanceata

Magic Mushrooms in Asia

Asia’s climate is wet across southeast sections, and dry across much of the interior. The monsoon circulation dominates across the southern and eastern sections. Rainfall around the continent is seen across the southern portion from India east and northeast across the Philippines and Southern China into Japan due to the monsoon. These created favorable conditions for the growth of magic mushrooms.

The most dominant species of magic mushrooms that grow in Asia are Gymnopilus sp., Panaeolus cinctulus, Panaeolus cambodginiensis, Panaeolus cyanescens, and Psilocybe cyanescens. Magic mushrooms in Asia flourish in the manure of cattle and buffaloes.

Asian countries where magic mushrooms grow are:

Cambodia. This tropical country has a rainy season that spans several months. Jungle covers most of the country and the islands are covered with tropical foliage. Cambodia hosts a large variety of plants including magic mushrooms.

Gymnopilus sp.

Panaeolus cambodginiensis

Panaeolus cinctulus

Panaeolus cyanescens

Panaeolus tropicalis

Psilocybe cubensis

China. China’s topographical and climatic diversity has produced a vast array of natural vegetation types. The country’s total number of plants is approximately 30,000 including magic mushrooms.

Gymnopilus junonius

Gymnopilus sp.

Panaeolus cinctulus

Panaeolus cyanescens

Panaeolus sp.

Psilocybe cubensis

Psilocybe venenata

Hong Kong. The original vegetation of Hong Kong no longer exists after centuries of human disturbance. The existing vegetation is the secondary forest developed in the latter half of the twentieth century after Second World War. The major types of vegetation in Hong Kong are woodland, shrubland, and grassland.

Gymnopilus sp.

Panaeolus sp.

Pluteus salicinus

India. The town of Kodaikanal in Southern India is perfect for magic mushroom fans. The country’s rainforests that cover the hills prove optimal for naturally-growing magic mushrooms.

Panaeolus bispora

Panaeolus cyanescens

Panaeolus tiunelveliensis

Panaeolus tropica

Gymmmnopilus sp.

Panaeolus africanus

Panaeolus cinctulus

Panaeolus venezolanus

Pilocybe aztecorum var. bonetii

Psilocybe cubensis

Psilocybe goniospora

Psilocybe indica

Psilocybe natarajanji

Psoilocybe keralensis

Psilocybe pseudoaztecorum

Psilocybe semilanceata

Pslocybe subaeuginascens

Psilocybe wayanadensis

Indonesia. Magic mushrooms are widely available in the Gili islands and are often blended by locals into shakes.

Panaeolus cyanescens

Gymnopilus sp.

Panaeolus cinctulus

Psilocybe cubensis

Psilocybe subaeruginascens

Israel. Tropical vegetation is developed in warm parts of the country. Mediterranean forests in the northern part of the country, through bathas and herbaceous vegetation of eastern parts of the country where magic mushrooms grow in shaded forests.

Gymnopilus junionis

Inocybe tricolor

Panaeolus fimicola

Japan. The long history of magic mushrooms in Japan is fascinating and were consumed by people are far back as the Neolithic period. Magic mushrooms grow in the Kitayama mountains where hungry woodcutters make the “mistake” of eating them.

Gymnopilus aeruginosus

Gymnoilus junonius

Panaeolus cinctulus

Panaeolus cyanescens

Psiloccybe argentines

Psilocybe capitulata

Psilocybe septentrionalis

Psilosybe subaeruginascens

Psilocybe subcaerulipes

Psilocybe venenata

Korea. Korean shamans used to take magic mushrooms to induce visions. These fungi grow naturally in the Hak-Dong and Geoje-Si areas.

Gymnopilus junonius

Panaeolus cyanescens

Panaeolus cinctulus

Philippines. The country has two seasons: rainy and dry. During rainy seasons, these psychedelics grow in grassy, lowland areas where water buffalo are found.

Gymnopilus sp.

Paneolus cyanescens

Panaeolus cinctulus

Psilocybe cubensis

Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka is one of the world’s biodiversity hot spots. This means it has a wide range of biological species in a variety of habitats. Magic mushrooms can be seen in cloud forests which consist of both temperate and tropical vegetation.

Gymnopilus sp.

Panaeolus cinctulus

Psilocybe cubensis

Psilocybe rostrate

Thailand. Thailand’s Koh Phangan is definitely one of the best places to trip on magic mushrooms in South-East Asia. This wet, tropical country with lots of livestock.

Gymnopilus sp.

Panaeolus cinctulus

Panaeolus cyanescens

Psilocybe cubensis

Psilocybe samulensis

Psilocybe thailandensis

Vietnam. The forests of Vietnam with shady trees are home to magic mushrooms. Magic mushrooms also grow in rice paddies.

Gymnopilus sp.

Panaeolus cyanescens

Panaeolus rubricaulis

Psilocybe cubensis

Magic Mushrooms in Australasia

Australasia is a region composed of Australia, New Zealand, New Guinea, and neighboring islands in the Pacific Ocean. Its climate can be divided into six different types: deciduous forest, rainforest, savanna, desert, desert scrub, and Mediterranean.

Deciduous forest climates have four distinct seasons with warm summers and cold, wet winters. Rainforest climates have high temperatures throughout the year with little rainfall. Savanna climates have high temperatures all year and rain during the summer season onlue.

The desert climate has warm to high temperatures with very little rainfall while desert scrub climates have hot summers and cold winters with above average rainfall. A Mediterranean climate is also called a dry summer climate is usually characterized by rainy winters and dry, warm to hot summers.

Because of this climate range, the magic mushrooms that grow in this part of the world are some of the most biodiverse.

Australia. Magic mushrooms are native to Australia. They are found on the sides of paths in forests and parkland areas with bark chips; mulch used in parks and garden beds; tall grass where there is a lot of twig and leaf debris; and near waterways where there is a lot of fallen tree debris and wood chips on the ground.

Gymnopilus purpuratus

Panaeolus cinctulus

Panaeolus cyanescens

Panaeolus fimicola

Psilocybe alutacea

Psilocybe subaeruginosa

Psilocybe subaeruginosa

Psilocybe tasmaniana

New Guinea. Magic mushrooms are endemic in the subtropical forests of the Western Highlands and the Morobe Province where they grow on rotten wood.

Gymnopilus sp.

Panaeolus rubricaulis

Panaeolus cinctulus

Psilocybe kumaenorum

New Zealand. Soils rich in pine needles and cow dung are the breeding ground for magic mushrooms in New Zealand. Some species can also be found on the south island and experts agree there may be unclassified species down there as well.

Gymnopilus sp.

Panaeolus cinctulus

Panaeolus cyanescens

Psilocybe aucklandii

Psilocybe makarorae

Psilocybe semilanceata

Psilocybe tasmaniana

Psilocybe subaeruginosa

Psilocybe weraroa

Magic Mushrooms in Europe

The climate of Europe is strongly conditioned by the Gulf Stream which keeps mild air over Northwestern Europe in the winter months, especially in Ireland, the UK, and coastal Norway. Parts of central European plains have a mixed oceanic and continental climate. Eastern Europe has 6 climates, while southern Europe experiences distinct wet season and dry seasons, with hot and dry conditions most prevalent over the summer months.

Although the majority of Europe was originally covered by forests, the vegetation has been transformed because of human habitation and land clearing. The northern mountains and parts of north central European Russia are the least affected by human activity.

Because of this dense forest area, magic mushrooms are able to grow across Europe.

Austria. The diversity of topographical and climatic conditions account for the country’s species-rich flora. This country is one of Europe’s most heavily-wooded countries. Magic mushrooms grow during the rainy season.

Panaeolus cyanescens

Gymnopillus sp.

Inocybe coelestium

Inocybe corydalina

Inocybe haemacta

Inocybe tricolor

Panaeolus cinctulus

Panaeolus fimicola

Psilocybe cyanescens

Psilocybe semilanceata

Psilocybe serbica

Belgium. The limestone caves in the Limburg province are ideal for magic mushrooms to grow.

Gymnopilus sp.

Panaeolus cinctulus

Psilocybe cyanescens

Psilocybe semilanceata

Bulgaria. This country is one of the most biodiverse countries in Europe with more than 6,500 species of non-vascular plants and fungi.

Gymnopilus sp.

Inocybe corydalina

Inocybe haemacta

Panaeolus cinctulus

Psilocybe cyanescens

Psilocybe semilanceata

Czech Republic. Most of the forest vegetation in the Czech Republic is evergreen. The main deciduous trees are oaks, beeches, birches, poplars, and willows. When these trees die, magic mushrooms grow on their rotting barks.

Gymnopilus sp.

Panaeolus cinctulus

Panaeolus olivaceus

Pluteus salicinus

Psolicybe serbica

Psilocybe cyanescens

Psilocybe moravica

Psilocybe fimetaria

Psilocybe mairei

Psilocybe strictipes

Denmark. Much of the land is under cultivation so relatively little wild vegetation remains in Denmark. Several varieties of ferns and mosses common to middle Europe are found here including magic mushrooms. These hallucinogenic mushrooms are seen growing in low, flat districts, horse pastures, and short grasses.

Gymnopilus sp.

Inocybe haemacta

Panaolus cinctulus

Panaeolus fimicola

Panaeolus olivaceus

Psilocybe fimetaria

Psilocybe semilanceata

United Kingdom. Much of England’s natural vegetation is lost and less than 10 percent of the country remains forested. Moorland and heathland occupy about a quarter of the country. Magic mushrooms can be found on the decaying matter of grass roots, scattered in pastures, grassy roadsides, and paths.

Conocybe kuehnariana

Gymnopilus junonius

Gymnopilis purpuratus

Inocybe croydalina

Inocybe haemacta

Panaeolus cinctulus

Panaeolus fimicola

Panaeolus olivaceus

Pluteus salicinus

Psilocybe cyanescens

Psilocybe fimetaria

Psilocybee semilanceata

Psilocybe strictipes

Estonia. Estonia is rich in wetlands. These areas prove great for the natural growth of magic mushrooms.

Gymnopilus junonius

Panaeolus cinctulus

Psilocybe semilanceata

Faroes Islands. The flora of the Faroe Islands consists of over 400 different plant species. Most of the lowland areas are covered with grassland. The Faroese nature is characterized by the lack of trees. Because of these conditions, magic mushrooms tend to grow in meadows.

Gymnopilus junonius

Panaeolus cinctulus

Panaeolus moellerianus

Psilocybe semilanceata

Finland. Much of Finland is dominated by conifers and in the extreme south, there is a zone of deciduous trees comprised of birch, hazel, aspen, maple, elm, linden, and alder. When these trees die, magic mushrooms grow in their decomposing barks and debris.

Conocybe cyanopus

Conocybe kuehneriana

Gymnopilus junonius

Pluteus salicinus

Panaeolus olivaceous

Psilocybe fimetaria

Psilocybe pelliculosa

Psilocybe semilanceata

Psilocybe sylvatica

Psilocybe strictipes

France. Wild mushrooms are abundant in France. Magic mushrooms are located in pastures which have been fertilized with sheep or cow dung. Some species can be seen fruiting solitarily or in groups on rich, ad acidic soil.

Panaeolus anomala

Panaeouls cyanescens

Gymnopilus junonius

Inocybe aeruginascens

Inocybe corydalina

Incybe haemacta

Panaeolus cinctulus

Psilocybe cyanescens

Psilocybe semilanceata

Psilocybe strictipes

Germany. Woodlands form about one-fourth of the entire soil, the proportion of forest being far greater than in any other state in the west or south of Europe. The Black Forest in the southwest and the Bavaria Forest by the Czech border are great for hunting magic mushrooms.

Conocybe cyanopus

Gymnopilus junonius

Gynoplius purpuratus

Inocybe aeuriginascens

Inocybe coealestium

Inocybe corydalina

Inocybe haemacta

Panaeolus cinctulus

Panaeolus fimicola

Pluteus cyanopus

Pluteus salicinus

Pluteus villosus

Pluteus cyanescens

Psilocybe mairei

Psilocybe moravica

Psilcybe semilanceata

Psilocybe serbica

Psilocybe strictipes

Greece. Greece is a mountainous country with very diverse natural vegetation. 6,000 plant species, including magic mushrooms, call this country their home. The mystical raptures reported at the ancient Greek celebrations at Eleusis were really magic mushroom fests. These hallucinogenic mushrooms are seen growing in the meadows near Valia Calida.

Gymnopilus sp.

Panaeolus cinctulus

Panaeolus sp.

Psilocybe semilanceata

Psilocybe serbica

Holland. The country falls into three topographical divisions: the dunes, the lowlands, and the higher eastern section of the country. The most common trees are oak, elm, pine, linden, and beech. Their rotting barks create a perfect environment for growing magic mushrooms.

Gymnopilus purpuratus

Inocybe aeruginascens

Inocybe corydalina

Inocybe haemacta

Panaeolus cinctulus

Pluteus salicinus

Psilocybe cyanescens

Psilocybe liniformans

Psilocybe puberula

Psilocye semilanceata

Psilocybe serbica

Psilocybe strictipes

Hungary. Hungary’s deciduous forests are dominated by oak and beech. Magic mushrooms grow along the countryside.

Gymnopilus sp.

Inocybe aeruginascens

Panaeolus cinctulus

Pluteus nigroviridis

Psilocybe sp.

Iceland. Much of Iceland is non-vegetated or only sparsely vegetated, although many lowland regions are slowly being reclaimed. People are known to pick magic mushrooms in Reyjkavik roadsides.

Panaeolus cinctulus

Panaeolus fimicola

Psilocybe semilanceata

Italy. The native vegetation of Italy has three zones of different vegetation: the Alps, the Po valley, and the Mediterranean-Apennine area. Northern Italy is rich in magic mushrooms where evidence also point to the ritual use of psychedelic mushrooms in the Neolithic age.

Gymnopilus junonius

Panaeolus cinctulus

Psilocybe serbica

Panaeolus cyanescens

Psilocybe semilanceata

Ireland. Ireland has a comparatively small flora for a European country. A major factor is the ice sheets that covered much of Ireland 13,000 years ago. Mushroom season in this country is around October.

Gymnopilus junonius

Panaeolus cinctulus

Psilocybe cyanescens

Psilocybe semilanceata

Lithuania. The pastures of Lithuania are fertilized with sheep or cow dung. Magic mushrooms typically grow in these areas during rainy season.

Gymnopilus junonius

Panaeolus cinctulus

Psilocybe semilanceata

Norway. Magic mushrooms grow during most seasons in grassy areas across Norway. They can grow in large numbers.

Scotland. Magic mushrooms grow in Scotland from August until early November. Marshes and riverbeds serve as the magic mushroom hotspots during the rainy season.

Gymnopilus junonius

Panaeolus cinctulus

Psiloccybe semilanceata

Serbia. This country is home to several magic mushrooms that grow in well-decayed deciduous and coniferous wood, on twigs, compost, plant residue, in forests, and in moist places along creeks, forest path and roadside verges.

Gymnopilus junonius

Panaeolus cinctulus

Psilocybe serbica

Psilocybe semilanceata

Psilocybe cyanescens

Slovakia. Grasslands, meadows, and pastures in Slovakia have optimal conditions for growing magic mushrooms. They also grow in edges in moist areas of fields in the country.

Spain. The luxurious vegetation in the Cantabria area is abundant with deciduous forests where the most characteristic species is the common oak, followed by lime trees, chestnut trees, elm trees, maple trees, and hazelnut trees. These forests provide plenty of debris for magic mushrooms to grow naturally.

Gymnopilus junonius

Panaeolus cinctulus

Panaeolus cyanscens

Psilocybe gallanciae

Psilocybe hispanica

Sweden. Wild hallucinogenic mushrooms grow around farms or cultivated land from August to November. A lot of these magic mushrooms can also be seen around wooded areas.

Gymnopilus junonius

Panaeolus cinctulus

Psilocybe fimetaria

Psilocybe semilanceata

Psilocybe strictipes

Switzerland. Magic mushroom hunting season is August to November. Distribution maps which are accessible to the public show where magic mushrooms grow in the country.

Gymnopilus junonius

Panaeolus cinctulus

Panaeolus cyanescens

Panaeolus fimicola

Panaeolus olivaceus

Pluteus salicinus

Psilocybe cyanescens

Psilocybe semilanceata

Magic Mushrooms in North America

North America is the third largest continent. It includes all of the mainland and related offshore islands lying north of the Isthmus of Panama which connects it with South America. Its climate varies from the dry, bitter cold of the Arctic to the steamy heat of the tropics.

Most of North America is cold in the winter and warm in the summer, with moderate precipitation. Some areas have mild winters and long, hot summers and others boast harsh winters and short summers.

These climate conditions allowed magic mushrooms to grow throughout this continent’s many regions.

United States of America. Within the United States, certain geographical regions are especially suited for mushrooms growth. The southeastern states do not host a remarkable diversity of hallucinogenic mushrooms but are well suited for the growth of Liberty Caps.

The Pacific Northwest’s climatic and ecological conditions encourage a vast array of fungi to flourish. In the coastal plains near the Pacific hosts a majority of hallucinogenic species.

Conocybe cyanopus

Gymnopilus junonius

Gymnopilus aeruginosus

Gymnopilus luteofolius

Gymnopilus luteviridis

Panaeolus bispora

Panaeolus cyanescens

Panaeolus cinctulus

Panaeolus olivaceus

Panaeolus camdodiginiensis

Panaelus chlorocystis

Pluteos salicinus

Psilocybe allenii

Psilocybe caerulescens

Psilocybe cubensis

Panaeolus fimicola

Psilocybe cyanescens

Psilocybe baeocystis

Psilocybe strictipes

Psilocybe hopii

Psilocybe mescaleroensis

Psilocybe ovooideocystidiata

Psilocybe pelliculosa

Psilocybe semilanceata

Psilocybe stuntzii

Psilocybe tampanensis

Psilocybe mammilata

Canada. The soil varies with the climate in Canada. The extensive belt of taiga or coniferous forests occupies two-fifth of the area which provide a environment for growing various magic mushrooms.

Conocybe kuehneriana

Gymnopilus junonius

Gymnopilus luteofolius

Gymnopilus luteus

Panaeolus cinctulus

Psilocybe baeocystis

Psilocybe cyanofibrillosa

Psilocybe cyanescens

Psilocybe cubensis

Psilocybe fimetaria

Psilocybe pelliculosa

Psilocybe semilanceata

Psilocybe sierrae

Psilocybe sylvatica

Psilocybe strictipes

Psilocybe stuntzii

Psilocybe subfimetaria

Mexico. Because of the wide range of temperature, the native flora of Mexico is extremely varied. The tierra calienta is thickly grown with an immense variety of plants, which form a dense tropical jungle in some areas. This zone includes hardwoods where magic mushrooms grow.

Paneolus fimicola

Panaeolus cyanescens

Panaeolus venezolanus

Panaeolus tropicalis

Conocybe banderillensis

Psilocybe rzedowskii

Psilocybe singer

Psilocybe uxpanapensis

Psilocybe veraecrucis

Psilocybe weldenii

Psilocybe caerulescens

Psilocybe fagicola

Psilocybe herrerae

Psilocybe mammillata

Psilocybe schultesii

Psilocybe wassonoirum

Psilocybe xalapensis

Psilocybe yungensis

Psilocybe armandii

Psilocybe mexicana

Psilocybe pseudobullacae

Psilocybe cubensis

Psilocybe subcubensis

Psilocybe muliercula

Psilocybe zapotecorum

Psilocybe tuxtlensis

Psillocybe chaconii

Psilocybe subtropicalis

Psilocybe neoxalapensis

Psilocybe isabelae

Psilocybe naematoliformis

Magic Mushrooms in South America

Most of South America has a tropical climate. The north is a humid and tropical savanna. The southeast has a humid subtropical climate. Yearly rainfall is different depending on the location. It is home to one of the driest places in the world, the Atacama Desert. One of the rainiest places in the world, the Amazon Basin, is also located in this region.

The usual temperature in the South America mountains is 15°C while the temperatures in the tropics can reach up to 38°C. This variation of climates and humidity different areas led to the growth of many species of magic mushrooms across South America.

Argentina. Many types of magic mushrooms are found at the higher altitude areas where rainfall is rare. Between the Andes and the Chaco lies Argentina’s most diverse areas of vegetation known as the Yungas. This subtropical region benefits plenty of summertime rainfall.

Conocybe kuehneriana

Gymnopilus junonius

Gymnopilus sp.

Panaeolus cinctulus

Panaeolus fimicola

Panaeolus sp.

Psilocybe collybioides

Psilocybe cubensis

Psilocybe hoogshagenii

Psilocybe wrightii

Psilocybe zapotecorum

Bahamas. Magic mushrooms grow in the Nassau region. However, these are species which are not found in most Western countries.

Gymnopilus sp.

Panaeolus cinctulus

Bermuda. Forests rich with Bermuda Cedar provide magic mushrooms with an environment where they can thrive. Sadly, this country isn’t really a hotbed for the psychedelic mushrooms.

Gymnopilus sp.

Panaeolus cinctulus

Panaeolus cyanescens

Belize. Belize has an interesting and diverse vegetation profile with over 4,000 plants and mushrooms of the psychedelic variety. Belize is among the countries in the Mesoamerican region where psychotropic drugs are used in medicine and religious rituals.

Gymnopilus sp.

Panaeolus cinctulus

Panaeolus cyanescens

Psilocybe cordispora

Psilocybe cubensis

Bolivia. Magic mushrooms grow in clusters or groups on rotting wood. These psychedelic mushrooms grow in the country’s subtropical forests.

Panaeolus anomala

Panaeolus cyanescens

Gymnopilus sp.

Panaeolus cinctulus

Psilocybe cubensis

Psilocybe mammillata

Psilocybe yungensis

Brazil. Brazil’s tropical soils are exceptionally fertile and anything planted grew well. The largest areas of fertile soil, called terra roxa, are found in the states of Parana and Sao Paulo. Magic mushrooms tend to fruit in large flushes in subtropical coffee plantations and grasslands from June to August.

Panaeolus anomala

Panaeolus ccyannescens

Gymnopilus junonius

Panaeolus cinctulus

Panaeolus fimicola

Panaeolus sp.

Pluteus glaucus

Psilocybe acutipilea

Psilocybe blattariopsis

Psilocybe banderillensis

Psilocybe caeruleoanulata

Psilocybe cubensis

Psilocybe farinacea

Psilocybe furtadoana

Psilocye hooghsagenii

Psilocybe microcystidiata

Psilocybe paulensis

Psilocybe pauper

Psilocybe pericystis

Psilocybe plutonia

Psilocybe ramulosa

Psilocybe rickii

Psilocybe subbrunneocystidiata

Psilocybe subyungensis

Psilocybe zapotecorum

Chile. Dense rainforests south of Valdivia contain various species of conifers which grow magic mushrooms.

Conocybe kuehneriana

Gymnopilus junonius

Gymnopilus purpuratus

Panaeolus cinctulus

Panaeolus sp.

Pluteus glaucus

Psilocybe carbonaria

Psilocybe fimetaria

Psilocybe liniformans

Psilocybe semilanceata

Psilocybe sierrae

Psilocybe strictipes

Psilocybe subfimetaria

Psilocybe zapotecorum

Colombia. Colombia has an expansive habitat of shrubs, forbs, and bunchgrass. The Valle de Cocora, a protected area in Quindio near the backpacker haven of Salento, is known for its surreal landscapes and wild magic shrooms. A mix of hallucinogenic and non-hallucinogenic mushrooms also grow above Medellin in Arvi Park.

Panaeolus cambodginiensis

Panaeolus cyanescens

Panaeolus cinctulus

Panaeolus sp,

Psilocybe angustipleurocystidiata

Psilocybe antioquiensis

Psilocybe cabiensis

Psilocybe columbiana

Psilocybe cubensis

Psilocybe guatapensis

Psilocybe heliconiae

Psilocybe hoogshagenii

Psilocybe pintonii

Psilocybe plutonia

Psilocybe semiangustipleurocystidiata

Psilocybe subacutipilea

Psilocybe subhoogshagenii

Psilocybe yungensis

Psilocybe zapotecorum

Costa Rica. This country is an eco-tourist’s delight. From the lowland tropical rainforest to the high altitude cloud forests, mangrove forests, vast wetlands, and fast flowing rivers, this country is never lacking in flora and fauna. A tip for magic mushroom hunting in Costa Roca is to go low (valleys) and to go high (mountains).

Gymnopilus sp.

Paaeolus cinctulus

Panaeolus cyanescens

Psilocybe aztecorum

Psilocybe mexicana

Psilocybe cubensis

Ecuador. Deep in the rainforest of Ecuador is a community called Pacto Sumaco. The surrounding area is very fertile for magic mushrooms.

Gymnopilus sp.

Panaeolus cinctulus

Psilocybe subcubensis

Psilocybe yungensis

El Salvador. Most of El Salvador’s vegetation is rainforest, or tropical wet vegetation. Because of El Salvador’s changing elevation, there are also mangrove forests, freshwater lagoon forests, swamp forests, alpine forests, and cloud forests. Dying trees in these forests can often be seen with magic mushrooms growing on them.

Gymnopilus sp.

Panaeolus cinctulus

Psilocybe cubensis

Guatemala. Tropical, cool, and temperate climate zones and the 14 ecological regions of Guatemala support the growth of many plant species. Over 8,000 plant species have been identified in the country along with magic mushrooms.

Gymnopilus sp.

Panaeolus cinctulus

Psilocybe caerulescens

Psilocybe cubensis

Psilocybe mexicana

Honduras. This country lays claim to large tracts of undeveloped landscapes, from tropical rainforests to lagoon mangroves. The charming island of Roatan has plenty of mushrooms growing wild during the rainy season.

Gymnopilus sp.

Panaeolus cinctulus

Panaeolus cyanescens

Psilocybe cubensis

Panama. Magic mushrooms grow in Panama because of its humid, tropical rainforests. Some magic mushrooms can also grow in the canal area, along the Caribbean coast.

Gymnopilus sp.

Panaeolus cinctulus

Psilocybe caerulescens

Psilocybe dumontii

Peru. The vast, fertile mountains of Peru contains a rich profusion of trees, plants, and jungle vines, including mahogany, cedar, rubber, and cinchona trees. Different species of hallucinogenic and non-hallucinogenic mushrooms grow on the barks of these trees whenever they grow old.

Gymnopilus junonius

Panaeolus cinctulus

Psilocybe cubensis

Psilocybe yungensis

Psilocybe zapotecorum

Uruguay. Magic mushrooms are seen on trees with bark stem lesions. These trees are located in the central west region of Uruguay.

Gymopilus junonius

Panaelus cinctulus

Psilocybe caeruleoannulata

Psilocybe uruguayensis

Psilocybe zapotecorum

Venezuela. The savanna in Venezuela is one of the world’s largest and most productive biomes which also breeds several species of psychedelic mushrooms.

Panaeolus cyanescens

Panaeolus cinctulus

Panaeolus campanulatus

Panaeolus sp.

Panaeolus venezolanus

Psilocybe caerulescens

Psilocybe cubensis

Psilocybe meridensis

Psilocybe plutonia

Psilocybe pseudobullacea

Psilocybe subyungensis

How to Find Magic Mushrooms

Now that you know where magic mushrooms grow in the world, it’s important to learn how to hunt magic mushrooms in the wild. New magic mushrooms hunters often make the mistake of walking around, picking a random mushroom, and then asking around if what they picked is a psychedelic mushroom.

This is a complete waste of time for both the hunter and the person who is asked.

Picking a random mushroom without prior knowledge and hoping it’s of the psychedelic variety is dangerous because some species of shrooms have physical similarities with poisonous fungi.

Luckily, there are plenty of resources online. These guidelines can increase your chances of success in finding these magic fungi.

Know your location

Do magic mushrooms even grow in your country? Is your climate conducive to growing magic mushrooms? By knowing these basic facts, you can make a list of magic mushrooms that grow in your area.

Know your magic mushroom

After researching which magic mushrooms species grow in your area, you need to put in a little more learning and effort. Look for the questions to these following questions:

What season do these magic mushrooms grow? Some magic mushrooms grow only during specific times of the year. For example, don’t bother looking for P. cyanescens when it’s summer in your country.

What environment is conducive for their growth? Should you check for growth in marshlands or wooded areas? Should you look for growth on cow dung or tree stumps?

How rare are the magic mushrooms in your list? If the only magic mushrooms on your list is a rare variety that hasn’t been found for the last 20 years then maybe you should take your magic mushroom hunting somewhere else.

How do they look like? Knowing a magic mushrooms physical attributes increases your chances of choosing the right variety. The most common physical characteristics to look at are cap color and shape, length and color of stem, spore print color, and gill configuration.

Step out of your house Armed with your new knowledge, choose a location that may yield some likely results and hunt! Let your scent for mushrooms and new information be your guides as you plow through cow field, parks, and forests.

Use a camera If you want to share your magic mushrooms on forums, it’s good to take pictures but a blurry photo won’t get any attention from the mushroom-loving community online. It’s important to get clear, crisp photos with the following details:

Habitat – where the mushrooms were growing

Cap – color and perspective photos

Gills – colors, attachment, and configuration

Stem/base – Color, length, rig, volva, etc.

Be familiar with spore prints Spore color can be the only thing that separates a magic mushroom from normal ones. It is one of the most defining characteristic of a mushroom genus. By making a spore print from your collected mushrooms, you can inspect your mushrooms spores much closely. You can learn how to make magic mushroom spore prints online.

Just have fun! Even if you don’t find magic mushrooms right away, think of all the exercise, fresh air, and mushroom knowledge you’re gaining!

Luckily, you can still get magic mushrooms no matter where you are in the world. With a couple of mouse clicks, you can buy magic truffles online and enjoy a psychedelic experience.